Oxford Silver Machine asset Ben Barker continued his remarkable progress with a stunning debut at Premier League level at Newport on Sunday.

The diminutive Barker, who celebrated his 16th birthday last month, came in as a Conference League guest for the Isle of Wight in the Premier Trophy clash at Queensway Meadows, and scored a highly impressive seven paid nine from five rides.

A jubilant Barker said: "It was brilliant. It went really well, considering it was my first match at Premier League level.

"Hopefully, I'll now get a few more guest bookings at Premier League tracks.

"I'd like to gain a full Premier League team place before the end of the season, but I've just got to wait and see what happens."

Meanwhile, Barker is philosophical after missing out on a full place in the British Under 21 final at Rye House on May 1.

After finishing on six points in the rain-curtailed qualifier at Mildenhall, he was required to make the long journey from Cornwall to Peterborough last Friday for a sudden death run-off against Darren Mallett and Barrie Evans to decide the last place in the final.

Barker, from the outside gate, was beaten to the first turn by Mallett, and then spent the entire four laps trying to overhaul his opponent, but to no avail.

He will now travel to Hoddesdon as reserve.

The Silver Machine Academy travel to the Norfolk Arena on Sunday for a Conference League match against Boston Barracuda-Braves.

The first Conference action of the new season at Cowley is on Friday, April 30, when the Dale Devils make the long trip down from Edinburgh.